Description
Fatsia japonica – Japanese aralia
Botanical name: Fatsia japonica
Common names: Japanese aralia, false castor oil plant
Family: Araliaceae
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Habit: Bold, architectural, spreading
Pot size: 10 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 2–4m tall × 2–4m spread
Foliage: Very large, glossy, deeply lobed hand-shaped dark green leaves; evergreen
Flowers: Rounded drumstick-like heads of creamy-white flowers in autumn, followed by clusters of black berries
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade; tolerates some sun
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C); best with shelter; USDA zones 8–10
Exposure: Sheltered; protect from cold, drying winds
Native range: Native to Japan
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; the sap can irritate skin and the berries may cause mild stomach upset if eaten
Fatsia japonica, Japanese aralia, is a bold evergreen shrub with huge, glossy, hand-shaped leaves giving an exotic, architectural look. Superb for shade, it brings a lush, tropical feel to borders and courtyards.
GardenAdvice notes
One of the best shrubs for an exotic, architectural effect, Japanese aralia is grown for its magnificent large, glossy, deeply lobed evergreen leaves, which bring a lush, almost tropical look to the garden — remarkably, in a plant that thrives in shade and is fully hardy in most areas. Rounded heads of creamy autumn flowers, followed by black berries, add to its appeal. It is superb for shady borders, courtyards and a jungle or exotic-style planting.
Growing & planting
Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, in a spot sheltered from cold, drying winds, which can scorch the big leaves. It also tolerates some sun in reliably moist soil. Give it room to spread its bold shape. Water well while establishing.
Care & maintenance
Low-maintenance. It needs little pruning — simply remove any frost-damaged, tatty or wayward growth in spring, and cut back to shape or restrict size if needed; it responds well to pruning. Feed and mulch in spring. Protect the foliage from harsh winter winds in exposed gardens.
Propagation
- Cuttings: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
- Seed: Can be raised from ripe seed.
- Air layering: Larger stems can be air-layered.
Pests & diseases
Generally trouble-free. In exposed spots the big leaves can be scorched by cold winds or hard frost. Scale insects can occasionally occur. Otherwise robust and healthy in a sheltered, shady spot.
Uses in the garden
Superb as an architectural specimen in shady and woodland borders, courtyards, city and exotic-style gardens, and in large containers, where its bold evergreen foliage brings a lush, tropical feel to difficult shady spots.
Wildlife value
The unusual autumn flowers are a valuable late nectar source for bees and other pollinators, and the black berries are taken by birds.
Toxicity & safety
Japanese aralia has a low level of toxicity: the sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning, and the berries may cause mild stomach upset if eaten.
GardenAdvice tip
Fatsia is the plant to reach for when you want a lush, exotic, architectural look in shade — those huge glossy leaves bring a tropical feel to a difficult shady corner or courtyard where little else looks so bold. Give it shelter from cold winds, which can scorch the big leaves, and it will need almost no attention beyond tidying the odd tatty leaf in spring.
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